Nallıhan Bird Paradise

The Nallıhan sanctuary sits where the Aladağ stream meets the Sarıyar reservoir on the Sakarya river, a couple of hours west of Ankara, and it protects a stretch of shallow water, reed bed and mudflat that supports something over a hundred and sixty recorded bird species - herons, egrets, grebes, ducks, waders, and raptors over the slopes, with the biggest numbers on spring and autumn passage. There is an observation tower and a marked path. What makes the place photograph the way it does is the geology behind: the hills rising from the water are layered in bands of red, ochre, green and grey clay and marl, cut into badlands by erosion, so the birdwatching happens in front of a striped backdrop that looks improbable and is entirely natural. The Nallıhan area is also known for a distinctive needle-lace craft. Facilities are minimal, and a car is required.

What you actually see

• The striped hills - red, green and ochre badlands behind the water.
• The observation tower - the view over the reed beds.
• The passage birds - waders and waterfowl in spring and autumn.
• The reservoir - Sarıyar's shallows and mudflats.

When to go

March to May and September to November for migration and the largest numbers. Early morning and late afternoon for light on the coloured hills.

Honest expectations

Bring binoculars - birds are distant. Facilities are a tower and a path; there is no visitor centre. Two hours from Ankara with no useful public transport.

Nearby

Beypazarı is on the road back toward Ankara; the Sakarya valley runs west toward Bolu.